What Happens During a Screening Mammogram?

A screening mammogram is one of the most important health exams a woman can get. Yet many women put it off because they do not know what to expect or feel nervous about the process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to your mammogram at Advanced Medical Imaging.

Before Your Appointment

Scheduling Tips - Best timing: Schedule your mammogram for one to two weeks after your period, when breasts are least tender - Annual screening: The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40 - Bring prior images: If you had mammograms at another facility, request those images be sent to AMI before your appointment for comparison

Day-of Preparation - Skip deodorant and antiperspirant — aluminum in these products can appear as white spots on the image. Apply them after your mammogram. - Wear a two-piece outfit — you will undress from the waist up, so a separate top and bottom is easiest - Leave jewelry at home — necklaces and body piercings near the chest will need to be removed - Take ibuprofen — if you are concerned about discomfort, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever 30–60 minutes before your appointment can help

Checking In (5 Minutes)

When you arrive at AMI: 1. Complete paperwork — you will fill out a brief health questionnaire about your breast health history, family history, and any symptoms 2. Verify insurance — our team handles this, and we accept most insurance plans including Medicare 3. Change into a gown — you will undress from the waist up and put on a front-opening gown. Your belongings go in a secure locker.

The Exam Itself (10–15 Minutes)

What the Technologist Does A certified mammography technologist — almost always a woman — will guide you through the entire process.

1. Positioning: The technologist places one breast at a time on a flat plate attached to the mammography machine. A second plate gently presses down from above to compress the breast.

1. Compression: The breast is compressed firmly for a few seconds. This is the part most women wonder about. Compression is necessary because it:

1. Hold still: You will be asked to hold your breath briefly — just a few seconds — while the image is taken.

1. Repeat: Standard screening requires four images — two views of each breast (top-to-bottom and side-to-side).

Does It Hurt? Most women describe the sensation as uncomfortable pressure, not pain. The compression lasts only a few seconds per image. If you are experiencing significant pain, tell your technologist — she can adjust the positioning.

3D vs 2D Mammography At AMI, we use Hologic 3D tomosynthesis, which takes thin-slice images from multiple angles. You will not notice any difference in the exam itself — it feels the same and takes only a few extra seconds. But 3D mammography: - Finds more cancers, especially in dense breast tissue - Reduces false-positive callbacks by up to 40% - Is covered by most insurance including Medicare

After the Exam (Results in Days)

What Happens to Your Images 1. A board-certified radiologist reviews your images 2. The radiologist assigns a BI-RADS score (0 through 6) 3. A report is sent to your referring physician 4. You receive a results letter, typically within 1–2 weeks

Possible Outcomes - Normal (BI-RADS 1 or 2): Continue annual screening - Callback (BI-RADS 0): Additional images or ultrasound needed — this happens to about 10% of women and usually results in a normal finding - Follow-up recommended (BI-RADS 3): A short-term repeat exam in 6 months - Biopsy recommended (BI-RADS 4 or 5): Further evaluation is needed

Remember: a callback does not mean you have cancer. It means the radiologist wants a closer look.

Tips for a Better Experience

• Breathe and relax — tension in your chest muscles can make compression feel worse
• Communicate with your technologist — she is there to help
• Schedule consistently — annual mammograms allow year-to-year comparison
• Know your breast density — ask your doctor if you have dense breasts, which may benefit from additional screening with ultrasound

Schedule Your Mammogram in Seminole, FL

At Advanced Medical Imaging, mammograms are quick, covered by insurance, and could save your life. Our comfortable facility, female technologists, and advanced 3D mammography make the experience as easy as possible.

Call (727) 398-5999 or schedule online. Same-day and next-day appointments available.